Question Reactivating Windows 10 after hardware change.

[WillJackman]

So recently got a new PC setup and moved my drives (including OS Drive with Windows 10) to it. Windows now wants activating and it won't work by associating my microsoft account to it. On my old PC I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 when it was free so I don't have a product key for Win10 at hand. Is there no way to re-activate after a hardware change if you upgraded to Win10 for free?

 

[USAFRet]

Before the hardware change, did you have it linked to your MS account?

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/

 

[WillJackman]

Before the hardware change, did you have it linked to your MS account?

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/

No I didn't have it linked before the change.

 

[USAFRet]

No I didn't have it linked before the change.

Well, that's a problem.
You may have to call MS and talk to a human.

 

[howtobeironic]

You can use the "Get Help" app in your PC for activation, it'll take you a few minutes you get to chat with a real human being.
Follow the steps:https://www.groovypost.com/howto/activate-windows-10-license-microsoft-support/